In order to mark and market the UK release of the book, publishers Serpent’s Tail partnered with Books on the Underground to leave 250 copies of the hardback around the tube system for lucky commuters to find. Apparently, there are more out there today.

Towards the end of last year, Serpent’s Tail sent me a review copy along with a little note suggesting that I might like it. As it turned out I loved it. #WAACBO is a witty, beautifully crafted and devastating read, one I can’t recommend highly enough.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler Photograph: Serpent's Tail

It’s a work of fiction but based on a brilliant factual premise. To reveal what that premise is or even to hint at it would, in my view, be a travesty, which does make reviewing it rather hard. When Barbara Kingsolver did so in the New York Times for its US publication last year, she exposed and explored the premise though did, very sensibly, begin with this rather delightful spoiler alert:

To experience this novel exactly as the author intended, a reader should avoid the flap copy and everything else written about it. Including this review.

As I had not read Kingsolver’s piece until today, I think I experienced Fowler’s novel pretty much as she intended. I did read the blurb on flap copy of my proof, but Serpent’s Tail has been careful not to give the game away.

Rosemary’s young, just at college, and she’s decided not to tell anyone a thing about her family. So we’re not going to tell you too much either: you’ll have to find out for yourselves, round about page 77, what it is that makes her unhappy family unlike any other.

I will say nothing more, but can state with reasonable confidence that anyone with an interest in animals – human or otherwise – will love this book. Especially, I think, if it is read as Fowler intended.

So if you’re on the Underground look out for a copy. If you don’t find one, then just go out and buy.